What Size Tile Spacers Should I Use?

I’ve had tiles go wrong because I guessed the spacer size. That made grout uneven and edges look sloppy.

The right tile spacer size depends on tile type, location, and finish—but most range from 1/16" to 3/8".

Let me break down each case so you never need to guess again.

What Spacer Size Is Best for Wall Tiles?

I used to think small tiles needed big spacers. But the opposite is true in many cases, especially on walls.

Wall tiles usually use small spacers, between 1/16" and 1/8", for a neat and clean look.

When I install wall tiles in kitchens or bathrooms, the visual finish matters most. Small gaps give it that refined, modern look. Too wide, and grout lines dominate the surface.

Factors to Consider

• Tile Size
  For small ceramic tiles (like 4"x4"), I often use 1/16" spacers. For larger wall tiles (like 6"x12" or subway tiles), 1/8" gives more flexibility.

• Grout Line Look
  Narrow grout lines look cleaner. For glossy tiles or rectified edges, thin grout lines are ideal.

• Wall Surface
  If the wall is uneven, I may go slightly wider (up to 3/16") to hide imperfections.

• Grout Type
  If I’m using unsanded grout, I stick to smaller gaps (under 1/8"). Sanded grout needs wider joints.

Wall Tile Spacer Guidelines

How Wide Should Tile Grout Lines Be?

I thought grout was just to hold tiles together. But it shapes how the entire room looks—and how easy it is to clean.

Grout lines typically range from 1/16" to 3/8", depending on tile type and whether you’re using sanded or unsanded grout.

Grout not only fills the gaps, but also absorbs movement and handles thermal expansion. Getting the width right means fewer cracks or pop-outs.

Standard Grout Width Ranges

Grout and Spacer Compatibility

Grout comes in two types:

• Unsanded: for lines under 1/8"
• Sanded: for lines over 1/8"

If I install floor tiles with 3/16" spacers, I always use sanded grout. It’s stronger and fills better. If I’m working with delicate wall tiles with tight joints, unsanded works better and avoids scratching the tile.

Aesthetic Tip

Wider lines make grout more visible. If I want tiles to pop, I keep the grout thin and color-matched. If I want contrast, I go wider and darker with the grout.

What Size Spacers for Floor Tiles?

I made the mistake once of using small spacers on a floor. They cracked within a year. Now I know better.

Floor tiles usually require wider spacers, from 1/8" to 3/16", to handle foot traffic and movement.

Tile floors expand and contract more than wall tiles. Subfloor shifts, temperature changes, and heavy weight cause micro-movements. Wider grout absorbs those changes.

Floor Tile Spacer Selection

• Small Format Tiles (12"x12"): 1/8" to 3/16"
• Large Format (18"x18" or more): 3/16" to 1/4"
• Uneven/Natural Stone: up to 3/8"

For floors with rectified porcelain tiles (factory-cut straight edges), I may go down to 1/8", but I must ensure the floor is flat.

Subfloor Considerations

If the subfloor isn’t level, I choose wider spacers. That gives more room to adjust height with thin-set mortar.

What Spacer Size Suits Mosaic Tiles?

Mosaic tiles come in sheets and seem simple. But if I misalign the sheets or guess the grout gap, it ruins the final look.

Mosaic tiles work best with 1/16" or even tighter spacers because their grids are already spaced.

Mosaic sheets are pre-spaced at the factory. I focus on keeping sheets aligned rather than adjusting tile-by-tile.

Tips for Mosaic Spacing

• Stick to 1/16": That’s closest to the built-in spacing on the sheet.
• Align Sheet Edges: I use spacers at the edge of sheets, not between individual tiles.
• Match Grout Type: I use unsanded grout to avoid scratching glass or delicate surfaces.

Special Cases

• Glass mosaics: Always 1/16", unsanded grout
• Natural stone mosaics: 1/16"–1/8", sanded grout only if tiles are not polished
• Pool or wet areas: Stick to smaller spacers for better waterproofing

Example Table

Conclusion

I now pick spacer sizes based on where I’m tiling and what kind of tile I’m using. Wall tiles need small gaps—1/16" or 1/8". Floor tiles require 1/8" to 3/8". Mosaics need precise 1/16" alignment. Grout type, tile size, and finish all play a role. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but with a few guidelines, I always get it right.